Alan Louis Csontos

Mr. Alan Louis Csontos of Quaker Gap, NC, passed away Friday, July 7, 2023, at his home after a vigorous and valiant battle with cancer, with his beloved wife, Ethlyn, by his side. Alan was born in New Jersey, September 11th to the late Albert and Irene Csontos. He was the last surviving sibling of the family. He was preceded in death by his brother Martin Csontos and sister Judith Baran.  Alan, aka Paha, is survived by his wife, two children, Ryan Csontos (wife, Ashleigh), and Rebecca Dowdle (husband, Craig). Cumulatively he has five grandchildren whom he adored: Max Alan Csontos, A. Scout Dowdle, Liberty C. Dowdle, L. Thatcher Dowdle, and Matthias Alan Dowdle. He is also survived by one brother in law, one sister in law, and two nephews - Michael Baran and Craig Csontos (Heather); and three great nieces and nephews. Alan was so many things to so many people. His first love was his wife, Ethlyn, whom he affectionately called his “Blonde Babe.” They were married two months shy of 50 years!! Family was the most important thing to him and he was so very important to them. There was nothing he would not do for his family.

Alan had an adventurous spirit throughout his life. He grew up near Lake Hopatcong where he enjoyed water skiing, swimming, ice skating, sailing, and exploring with his siblings and cousins. Alan was a member of the Civil Air Patrol, drum and bugle corp, wrestling team and also enjoyed tumbling and could walk on his hands through his college campus. His adventurous spirit took him and Ethlyn on many adventures: scuba and cave diving in Florida’s Ginnie Springs and the Suwannee and Santa Fe Rivers, camping out west in the Grand Tetons, Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, and other National Parks; fishing on the Snake River, and moose hunting in British Columbia. He obtained a brown belt in karate and earned his pilot’s license and flew for the land development company he worked for in Florida. In his golden years the adventures continued: he rode motorcycles, gave wagon rides regularly to the grandkids on his farm; performed incredible feats of stamina and daring; started, grew and maintained chestnut orchards; and raised beef cattle and chickens to keep the family well fed. He was also an expert level HAM radio operator, builder, and woodworker.  As an accomplished handyman, he built their home in Florida and renovated two other homes including their home by Watauga Lake. He loved fishing when he could, especially at Watauga Lake and fly fishing in Stokes County. His Rhodesian Ridgeback dog, Trooper, was Alan’s constant companion. He loved gift giving especially at Christmas. He loved to bake Christmas cookies and bread, a task he took over when his mother passed away.

Alan was quite intellectual as well!  He graduated from Catawba College with a degree in Geology and received his Master’s degree in Environmental Engineering from the University of Florida. He became a registered professional engineer (PE) and certified safety professional (CSP) and worked for Douglas Battery until its closing. He was a list maker and every day started with a list of things to accomplish. He loved reading and could easily tackle a novel in a day, reading thousands of books over his lifetime.

His family would like to thank his doctors at Novant Health Derrick L. Davis Cancer Center - Dr. Ileana Jacks, Dr. Eugene Paschold, Dr. Volker Stieber, his PA’s and NP’s and infusion nurses and all the staff at the Cancer Center who made him feel cared for during his battle with cancer; Dr. Rashid Janjua and his staff; the staff at Mountain View Medical Center; and finally Trellis Supportive Care of Stokes County. 

        Alan did not wish to have a funeral or memorial service, but wanted to be remembered for all the great times in his life. The stories of Alan's great life will be shared to inspire for generations to come. We would also like to extend our most sincere thanks to all the family and friends who have offered assistance, prayers, and encouragement throughout this difficult time.